A New Orleans cab driver was found shot to death in Algiers this morning.

Willie Simmons, 60, was found in his cab around 6:50 this morning in the 3100 block of Rose Lane in the Christopher Homes development, New Orleans Police said.

Simmons, a driver for Yellow Cab, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, police said. Emergency medical technicians pronounced him dead on the scene.

New Orleans Police detectives and officers blanketed the area Wednesday morning during a steady rain looking for witnesses and clues.

A man who claimed he witnessed the shooting said he heard the cab's brakes squeal and the cab hit the fence in front of the apartment and bounce off the fence. He said a passenger in the cab had shot the driver and then ran from the area.

NOPD Deputy Chief Marlon Defillo talked with members of the media near the scene and said the cab would be taken back to the police Crime Lab and analyzed.

Homicide Detective Eduardo Colmenero is in charge of the investigation. He can be contacted at 658-5300.

Citizens with information that can help solve this crime are asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 822-1111, toll-free 1-877-903-STOP(7867). A cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an indictment in the case. Callers may remain anonymous.